Pomegranate’s Promise:

Begin a Hero’s Journey to forge character of a hero, treasure freedom, and discover a

calling & purpose

the Hero’s journey

The Hero's Journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, is a powerful storytelling framework that can also be applied to personal development and self-discovery, including finding one's calling or purpose in life.

Recognizing the universal appeal of this narrative archetype, we have seamlessly woven the Hero’s Journey into the very fabric of our educational framework and learning activities, including daily Socratic Discussions, story readings, goal-setting exercises, feedback sessions, quests, and workshops.. It stands as the primary guiding principle and the cornerstone of our Learning to Be curriculum, second only to our unwavering belief that every child has an inner genius and deserves to find a calling that will impact the world.

This narrative framework equips our students with invaluable tools, skills, and mindset to navigate the complexities of learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be. For example, they learn early on that it’s important to fail early, cheaply and often; and that perseverance and grit are more important than raw talent.

Finding a Calling

Our students learn that a hero is not some superhero archetype but an ordinary person who demonstrates resilience by rising after falling down or failure. A hero takes responsibility and embraces accountability rather than blaming others when things get hard and faced with challenges. A hero shares their inner talents/gifts to help those in need. A hero, after answering a calling, returns, recharges, and awaits the next call to adventure, recognizing that the true treasure lies not in the quest's/journey’s special reward but in the personal transformation experienced along the way.

Watch this video to see an example of how the Hero’s Journey concept can be used with children to help them find a calling and purpose in life.

  • By following the stages of the Hero's Journey and applying them to your quest for discovering your calling, you can gain valuable insights, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, find greater fulfillment and meaning in your life.

    1) The Call to Adventure: Recognize the signs that are calling you to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This could be a feeling of restlessness, dissatisfaction, or a desire for something more meaningful in your life.

    2) Refusal of the Call: Understand and address any fears or doubts that may arise when considering pursuing your calling. It's common to feel hesitant or resistant to change, but acknowledging and confronting these feelings is an essential step in the journey.

    3) Meeting the Mentor: Seek guidance and inspiration from mentors, role models, or individuals who have pursued similar paths. They can offer valuable insights, advice, and support as you navigate your journey.

    4) Crossing the Threshold: Take the leap and commit to exploring your passions, interests, and potential avenues for fulfilling your calling. This may involve stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty.

    5) Tests, Allies, and Enemies: Expect challenges, obstacles, and setbacks along the way. These experiences serve as opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Surround yourself with supportive allies who encourage and uplift you, while also learning from the lessons presented by perceived enemies or difficulties.

    6) Approach to the Inmost Cave: Reflect on your deepest desires, values, and aspirations. Explore what truly brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. This introspection can help you uncover insights into your calling and what you're truly meant to pursue.

    7) Ordeal: Embrace moments of struggle, uncertainty, and transformation as you strive to align your actions with your calling. These challenges are essential for personal growth and building resilience.

    8) Reward (Seizing the Sword): Celebrate your achievements, milestones, and breakthroughs along the way. Acknowledge the progress you've made and the lessons you've learned as you continue to pursue your calling with courage and determination.

    9) The Road Back: Reflect on how far you've come and consider how you can use your experiences, skills, and passions to make a positive impact on the world. This may involve finding ways to share your gifts, talents, and insights with others.

    10) Resurrection: Embrace your newfound sense of purpose, confidence, and clarity as you fully embody your calling. Recognize that the journey of self-discovery is ongoing and be open to continued growth, learning, and evolution.

  • "Calling" often refers to a strong inner urge or conviction toward a particular profession, vocation, or life path. It's about feeling compelled or drawn toward a specific direction or pursuit, often with a sense of destiny or fulfillment associated with it. A calling can encompass various aspects of life, including career, personal relationships, or service to others.

    "Purpose," on the other hand, refers to the reason for which something exists or is done. It's the overarching goal or intention that guides one's actions and decisions. Purpose can encompass a broader sense of meaning or significance in life, encompassing personal fulfillment, contribution to society, or spiritual alignment.

    While a calling can be seen as a specific manifestation or expression of one's purpose, they are not necessarily interchangeable. Someone may have a sense of purpose in life that extends beyond a specific calling, or they may find their calling within the pursuit of their purpose.

  • We believe that finding a calling is a part of discovering one's God-given purpose for life. The Bible teaches that each person is uniquely created by God and endowed with certain gifts, talents, and passions. In Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), it says, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This suggests that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual.

    Furthermore, Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) speaks about spiritual gifts: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." This passage suggests that God has equipped each person with unique abilities to fulfill their calling and purpose in life.

    Therefore, we believe that discovering and pursuing one's calling involves discerning and utilizing the gifts and talents that God has given us for the greater good and for His glory. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to understand how they can best serve God and others with their lives.

the Hero’s Journey & discovering purpose

“Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

From a Christian perspective, the Hero's Journey concept can be seen as mirroring the spiritual journey of individuals seeking to align their lives with God's will and purpose. Here's how it can be understood within this context:

  1. Divine Call: Similar to the "Call to Adventure," individuals may experience a divine calling or prompting from God to embark on a journey of faith and discipleship. This call often involves surrendering one's will to God and trusting in His guidance.

  2. Surrender and Faith: Crossing the threshold involves surrendering control to God and stepping out in faith, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. It requires trusting in God's plan and provision, knowing that He is sovereign and faithful.

  3. Trials and Temptations: Like the trials and tests faced in the Hero's Journey, Christians encounter challenges and temptations that test their faith and character. These experiences serve to refine and strengthen their relationship with God.

  4. Divine Guidance: Just as heroes meet mentors and allies along their journey, Christians rely on spiritual mentors, pastors, and fellow believers for guidance, encouragement, and support. Ultimately, their greatest mentor is the Holy Spirit, who leads and empowers them.

  5. Dark Night of the Soul: The "Abyss" stage can represent moments of spiritual crisis or doubt, where individuals confront their own brokenness and inadequacy before God. It is a time of surrendering to God's grace and receiving His forgiveness and healing.

  6. Divine Revelation: Through prayer, Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians gain insight and revelation into God's purposes and plans for their lives. They come to understand their identity as beloved children of God and their unique calling to serve Him.

  7. Transformation and Redemption: The journey leads to transformation as individuals are conformed more and more to the image of Christ. They experience redemption and restoration in their relationship with God and are empowered to live out their faith in the world.

  8. Mission and Witness: Christians are called to "return with the elixir" by sharing the love, grace, and truth of Christ with others. They become ambassadors of God's kingdom, spreading the good news and making disciples of all nations.

In summary, from a Christian perspective, the Hero's Journey can be understood as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of faith, transformation, and service to God and others. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges and triumphs of the Christian life and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes.

pomegranate kids share learning in a tightly bound community

Pomegranate Schoolhouse is a learner-driven community run by heroes-in-the-making where self-management and self-governance are celebrated daily by learners who use 21st Century skills to tackle real world projects, inspired by classic heroes in a tightly bound community with extremely high standards.

Written promises and covenants that form a tightly bound community of individuals learning to form authentic friendships and honestly resolve interpersonal problems.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

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  • Examples of Servant Leader Badges:

    Elementary Goals:

    1) lay the foundation of heroic habits. Example challenges: give character call-outs, set/track SMART Goals, and participate in discussions.

    2) Develop the curiosity and discipline to learn without direction. Example challenges: set and track goals, research questions, solve problems.

    Jr. High Goals:

    Launchpad Goals:

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  • The Hero’s Journey vs. Drama Triangle